Plant Type

Shrub

 

Height Range

3-6'

 

Flower Color

White

 

Flower Season

Summer

 

Leaf Color

Green

 

Bark Color

Brown, Red

 

Fruit Color

Brown

 

Fruit Season

Fall, Persistent

Sun

Half, Shade

 

Water

Low

 

Growth Rate

Moderate, Slow

 

Soil Type

Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Meadow, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Shrub Border, Foundation

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Hedge, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

Mountain-spray is a woody, deciduous shrub that grows to about 3 to 4 feet tall and wide. It has an arching habit and is densely branched. Leaves are soft green with some pubescence, and turn shades of red in the fall. White flowers form along upright stems, blooming from June to August. Seeds persist into winter. Older bark is exfoliating and a deep red. A Utah native, mountain-spray is found in rocky cliff faces in sheltered canyons. A nice choice for drier shade areas, such as an understory beneath taller shrubs and trees.

Grow in well drained soils, with some organic content, but well drained is the key. Tolerates soil pH to 8.0. Though it grows in full sun, it will require more water; in part to filtered shade sites, its water demand will be considerably lower. Prune selectively, removing the tallest branches after flowering. Makes a nice cut flower.